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5 Orange County Spots Made Famous in “The O.C.” to Check Out in Your Audi

Believe it or not, most of the scenes from the popular television series “The O.C.” were not actually filmed in Orange County. The show is supposedly set in Newport Beach, but to find most of the shooting locations, you’ll have to head northwest to Long Beach, Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, and even Los Angeles.

The scenic drive along Highway 1 is a perfect excuse to take your Audi out for a day trip to see these famous, beautiful locations.

The Pier

Image via Flickr by /luca

Address: 100 W. Torrance Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA 90277

From far off, the pier where the characters on “The O.C.” spend so much of their free time looks like a straight pier that juts out directly into the ocean, but up close, it’s actually the Redondo Beach Pier, a pier that looks out over the bay. This pier has great spots for shopping, dining, nightlife, and exploration, including some used on the show such as the Pier Diner, which is actually the Redondo Beach Coffee Shop, and The Bait Shop, which is really an unused building on the pier. Take your Audi for a spin out by the sea to check out this famous pier and have some fun while you’re at it.

The Harbor School

Address: 12001 Chalon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90049

The private high school attended by most of the main characters on the show is actually a women’s Catholic college known as Mount Saint Mary’s in Los Angeles. The private university welcomes visitors and fans of the show. All it takes is a $5 parking fee to bring your Audi to the place where “The O.C.” began.

The Marina

Address: 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

The address above is for Burton Chace Park, one of many locations in Marina Del Rey used on “The O.C.” The parking lot of this park is where they set up the carnival scene where Marissa and Ryan shared their first kiss atop a ferris wheel. Imagine, when you visit this location, your Audi could be parked right below where these characters shared this magical moment.

Wayfarer’s Chapel

Address: 5755 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

This gorgeous glass chapel with an ocean view is the site of Julie and Caleb’s wedding and a few other important scenes from “The O.C.” It was famous long before it was on the show, though, as a stunning piece of architecture built by the son of Frank Lloyd Wright. It’s the ideal spot for a peaceful and contemplative getaway in your Audi.

“Palm Springs” Golf Course

Address: 6501 Palm Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Ironically, one of the only times, possibly the only time the show actually shot in Orange County, the location was standing in for a golf course in Palm Springs. In reality, the actual course they attempted to replicate is at SeaCliff Country Club in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach’s neighbor to the north. Golfing here is for members only, but you can schedule a free tour on the club’s website if you want to see how well the show did at replicating this exclusive golf course.

Jump in your Audi and take a day trip to these spots where “The O.C.” was filmed to explore the locations you’ll recognize from the show.